Arm numb, prickly and nonfunctional

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riches
riches Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with bc in 1995 with no recurrence since. I don't have very much lymphedema but my arm lately has been getting numb and prickly and I can't use it. I shake it to relieve it but it is taking longer and longer for it to go away. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks......mav

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  • bebe1976
    bebe1976 Member Posts: 60
    #2
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    Hey Mav,
    My best advice would be to go to your physician. This could be normal, but if you're loosing use of the arm, your lymphedema may be getting worse. Please let us know,
    Jenn
  • riches
    riches Member Posts: 3
    #3
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    bebe1976 said:

    Hey Mav,
    My best advice would be to go to your physician. This could be normal, but if you're loosing use of the arm, your lymphedema may be getting worse. Please let us know,
    Jenn

    The only time my arm doesn't work is when it is tingling and prickly, then it takes about 10 minutes for it to go away. Also, I don't think the arm swelling is bad in that it is only a little swollen. I have seen women whose arms are huge and mine is hardly noticable so I don't know if I really have lymphedema. I am going to call my doc but wanted to know if anyone else had ever had this happen to them. Thanks for your advice as I truly appreciate it.........Maryann
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #4
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    riches said:

    The only time my arm doesn't work is when it is tingling and prickly, then it takes about 10 minutes for it to go away. Also, I don't think the arm swelling is bad in that it is only a little swollen. I have seen women whose arms are huge and mine is hardly noticable so I don't know if I really have lymphedema. I am going to call my doc but wanted to know if anyone else had ever had this happen to them. Thanks for your advice as I truly appreciate it.........Maryann

    Never had the tingle or prickly- but mine feels "heavy" at times in the upper arm and that's when I know to stop I have done enough. I was diagnosed with Lymph. in Junish and only had swelling in the top of my hand. I never swelled other than a bit in my forearm. My onco. got me DIRECTLY to an Occupational Therapist that specializes in lympho. and since then I have worn my light peachy glove and arm sleeve for compression and honestly, no problems. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of "glamour" for peace of mind over swelling. When I first visited my OT, she massaged and worked the swelling up my arm to my chest and back and had me wrap daily with 3 aces for about a 3 week period to get hand and forearm down. Once the swelling went down we ordered the compression glove and sleeve and I was GLAD to trade the heavy HOT aces to this breathable, lightweight stuff. I can wear it whenever I choose so if I have an event, I don't wear it. I wear it to work and just around the house most of the time. The thing I suggest is call your oncologist and let them send you to someone who will make the decision if you do or don't, for you. Good Luck and you will be in my prayers.
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #5
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    I just met a woman last week who developed lymphadema 8 years after her treatment for breast cancer. My oncologist also said this can occur at any time. By all means, speak to your doctor and see a lymphadema specialist (I've forgotten if there's a special name for the professionals who deal specifically with this problem). It's sounds like it isn't too advanced yet if it is lymphadema. Good luck. Ellen

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